2025 Mercedes-Benz Mercedes-AMG GLB

With its upright sides and squared-off rear, you’d be forgiven for thinking the GLB was more about cargo than speed. If we weren’t talking about the AMG version, you’d be right. Putting the Affalterbach spin on the Mercedes-Benz GLB, however, marries practicality with punchy fun.

From the stout turbocharged engine to the standard all-wheel drive (AWD) system, the Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 is a luxurious, well-equipped, right-sized all-rounder that won’t break the bank.

We’ve logged hundreds of hours driving and evaluating this generation of subcompact luxury SUVs, including the Mercedes-Benz GLB.

The AMG GLB 35 carries forward into 2025 unchanged. The only difference on the order sheet is that Digital White exterior paint is no longer available.

The 2025 AMG GLB 35 doesn’t have many natural competitors aside from the 313-horsepower BMW X1 M35i. The X1 M35i starts at $51,525, about $10,000 below the GLB 35, and comes with all-wheel drive. The AMG GLB’s base equipment spec is somewhat higher than the X1’s, but even so, the AMG GLB remains priced near the top of its class.

Before buying a new AMG GLB luxury SUV, check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to see what you should be paying. Recouping more money when selling a vehicle can mean a bigger down payment and lower monthly payments on the next one.

Just like its non-AMG counterparts, the AMG GLB 35 is a favorite for running around town and getting things done. Its compact size, quick acceleration, and spacious interior make it easy to park, easy to slice through traffic, and easy to pack full of groceries and project materials

But it’s not the everyday grind that motivates an AMG purchase, even though the AMG-tuned suspension makes it a pleasure. No, it’s the thrill of the engine as it builds sound and power. It’s the acceleration and the handling. And let’s not forget the image. The GLB delivers on all fronts in a way few other subcompact SUVs can, not least because it’s nearly as big as the next class up.

With 302 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque driving all four wheels, the AMG GLB hits 60 mph from a standstill in 5.4 seconds, just 0.2 of a second behind the slightly more powerful X1 M35i.

Fuel Economy

Despite the AMG badge and 302-hp output, the GLB 35 gets pretty good fuel economy. It’s rated at 23 mpg combined (21 city/26 highway), about four less overall than the non-AMG variant with all-wheel drive. The BMW X1 M35i does slightly better, however, at 26 mpg combined (23 city/31 highway).

The GLB’s interior is so spacious that it offers a 7-seat, 3-row configuration as an option. While the third row works great for kids and smaller adults, the 5-seat layout is likely the more popular choice. Whichever version you choose, you’ll get one of the roomiest subcompact luxury SUVs available.

In fact, the AMG GLB has 38.1 inches of second-row legroom, more than its bigger sibling, the GLC, and more than the BMW X1, X3, and X5.

The GLB’s cargo space is also good for the class, with 27 cubic feet behind the second row and 62 cubic feet behind the first. The 3-row model still has 5.1 cubic feet behind the third row, too, but the third-row seat itself means giving up about five cubic feet in total volume.

The GLB’s square body hints at its roomy interior, and the AMG version builds on that look. Its 18-inch or 20-inch alloy wheel choices, AMG-exclusive paint colors, and AMG-specific front and rear treatments distinguish it from the standard GLB.

MBUX
This 10.25-inch touchscreen-based system is standard equipment on the AMG GLB. The Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) system has natural language voice control, a user-friendly touchscreen interface, and many features. Wireless smartphone integration is also standard.

Roomy cabin
With more legroom than its competitors as well as the next size class up, the AMG GLB is not just a sporty runabout — it’s a practical daily driver that also has room for plenty of cargo.

AMG power
The heart of every AMG is the engine, and the GLB’s is stout. The sheer thrust and low-end torque are reminiscent of an old-school V8, but the whoosh and pop of the turbo and exhaust make it clear this is from the new school of performance.

Augmented reality
Included in the Exclusive Trim, this system overlays video and navigation information on the touchscreen display to make it super-clear where you’re supposed to turn next. This technology can take a lot of the stress — and missed turns — out of driving in an unfamiliar city.

Burmester audio
This sonorous 12-speaker/590-watt Burmester surround-sound system backed by Dolby Atmos technology is a mere $620 option on the AMG GLB when combined with Exclusive or Pinnacle trims.

Driver Assistance package
An advanced driver assistance system might not be considered one of the coolest features of a driver’s SUV, but this $1,700 package is perfect for keeping you and your family safe in the day-to-day, and it stays out of the way when driving purely for enjoyment.

The 2025 Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 has a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine making 302 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. Thanks to 4Matic all-wheel drive, power is sent to all four wheels through an 8-speed AMG Speedshift automatic transmission.

4-Year/50,000-Mile Warranty

The vehicle warranty on a 2025 GLB SUV lasts four years or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first. The powertrain is covered for the same period, which is typical among European luxury manufacturers.

Safety

No third-party agency has crash-tested the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLB, but the structurally similar 2023 model received a 5-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The GLB has lots of standard safety equipment, including brake assist, blind-spot assistance, active parking assistance, automatic high beams, and much more.